Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv for the release of hostages in Gaza

Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday evening and called directly on US President Donald Trump to intervene and help end the war in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The demonstrators called for an immediate ceasefire, with some banners criticizing Trump himself for failing to make progress despite promising a quick end to the conflict during his election campaign.
There are currently 48 hostages being held in Gaza, of whom Israeli authorities estimate that around 20 are still alive.

The others were either killed during their captivity or died in the ensuing fighting. Since the start of the war, Hamas has kidnapped a total of 251 people, most of whom were exchanged under previous agreements.

Hamas continues to demand an end to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip as a condition for the release of all hostages, while Netanyahu continues to insist on an “all or nothing” approach.

International law and humanitarian organizations condemn the conditions in Gaza, where the population is facing a critical humanitarian crisis due to bombing and blockades. The Israeli army continues to intervene in the Gaza area and is calling on the civilian population to evacuate to the south.

(reuters, sie)